Finding Support in the Struggle with OCD

copyright, 1999

Understanding the struggles of people with OCD is difficult for others - even our closest family members and friends can't imagine the fear and anxiety involved in resisting rituals. Or the anguish of having obsessive thoughts that you just can't turn off. A support group can help. The Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation (OCF) maintains a list of support groups throughout the country and internationally on their website at http://www.ocfoundation.org/ocf1170a.htm

What can a support group do?

* It can help you realize you aren't alone, that others experience obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors similar to yours.

* It can help you learn more about OCD and keep up to date on the latest information.

* Support groups will sometimes have related groups for family members where they can learn how others cope with living with OCD.

But what if there isn't a support group in your area? Or what if you don't feel ready to reach out to others, in person? There is help in cyberspace! The Internet offers support for people with OCD. I attribute 80% of my ongoing recovery to the OCD-L mail list that offers support for people with OCD. I found support from people who were experiencing the same problems I was. I learned how to deal with OCD and apply cognitive-behavioral therapy principles to my illness from others who were further along in their recovery and from expert doctors who volunteer their time to help people with OCD.

OCD-L is a moderated discussion group with over 400 subscribers. Email messages go out to all subscribers so everyone gets several messages a day. You can subscribe by sending an email to OCD-L@VM.MARIST.EDU. Put "subscribe" followed by your name in the subject area. Chris Vertullo of Marist College moderates the list, making certain the discussion stays on the topic of OCD.

Staying on topic becomes a bit of a problem at times. Imagine having a discussion with 400 people and trying to stick to one topic! As a result, several smaller lists were spawned from this great "mother-list." I saw a need for a list where Christians with OCD and their families could support each other in prayer, so I formed a prayer list. Another man felt a need for a list where Christians with OCD could discuss anything they wanted and support each other in our own unique style. So another mini list was born. Others saw other needs - teen support, family support, parenting support. Recently, lists to support people struggling with particular OCD symptoms have been born - hoarding and skin picking. You can find a current list of these "mini-lists" at http://www.ocfoundation.org/ocf1520a.htm

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